First and foremost, the opening ceremony was amazing for me because of the visual pageantry, high technology, the very deep sense of culture and history China has and the evident pride and joy of all the performers. London's will surely be unique as well. Looking forward....

deanne, quezon city, philippines

I don't think London can top this one,and I dont think any country could, there's only four old civilizations,the scroll is amazing not only because the technology, the creativity, but a culture of 5000 years old country,I do believe London 2012 will be more creative,but blablabla

Ray, Stockholm, Sweden

The opening ceremony is really fantanstic

kate, London, England

I find the whole ceremony SPECTACULAR! It's the best I've ever seen. And at the end of the day, it's a free world, so people can say whatever they like, but we mustn't forget that we should be fair as well, and Olympics is about SPORTS!

Tammy Insull, London, England

i think the ceremony the best i have seen and the commentary the worst ive heard!

no country has a perfect record, but they have certainly worked very hard to change for the better and we should be supporting them not critising how far they have left! we have plenty left to go here too!

John, London, UK

I have my undergraduate and postgraduate education in the UK. I love people there and started to watch BBC for years, as I want to see the world with less prejudice, but BBC really disappointed me, especially since this year. I personally welcom critics on China, as I wish it move forward.

Ellie, Shanghai,

Since when BBC became so annoying? its many comments were really in prejudice. I even saw one news translating bad words about the goverment into English (an interview of a chinese lady), but for those positive words, BBC didnt traslate. It was selective reporting and definitely misled audiance

Ellie, Shanghai,

Funny, but very disappointing article. I watched the opening ceremony on CCTV in Chinese so didn't understand everything in Zhang Yimou's distillation of 5,000 years of Chinese civilisation. I looked to the Times for a detailed explanation, only to find this. China Daily, for once, excelled.

Michael P, Wuhan, China

Awesom!!!! Beautiful!!!!! A job well done!

susan, iowa, usa

Hillarious commentry !!!

But common guys who are we kidding. It was the most spectacular thing I have even seen on the TV. Every second of it was amazingly executed.

Great work China and Congratulation !!!!

Saad Ali Khan, London, U.K.

I doubt London can top that. I'm not talking about the lack of creativity, but from the financial perspective. China is a big market, so they can afford it. But Britain? Even the money spent on Beijing olympic are mostly from private enterprises and sponsors.

Andy, Medan, Indonesia

Why is it surprising that the US got a big cheer. Kobe Bryant and Lebron James sell more jerseys in China than Yao Ming. They love the US and US athletes in China. Maybe the restrained applause for the UK team got you feeling insecure?

Simon, New York, USA

London 2012 will be just as Good as the Beijing olympics. C'mon! Although the bar has been set high, it's because china has put on the work, enormous discipline and tremendous effort. Well done to them for such an amazing night and for hosting the olympics through all the challenges they faced.

Damian Ang, London, UK

Sir,
Would it be to much to suggest a return from the mind-boggling hypocrisy, propaganda, and panoply of the opening ceremony to the simplicity of the athletes' entry, the local and olympic anthems, a speech by the OC president, and, the most symbolic action, the lighting of the olympic flame?

K White, Faringdon, Oxon

Why is it surprising that the US got a great cheer from the Beijing crowd? Despite the obvious tensions and periodic spats, the US is still held in mighty high regard by many ordinary Chinese, just think how many of their brightest and most ambitious students' dream in life is to study in the US.

Michael P, Wuhan, China

As a Chinese, I am embarrassed by the inferiority complex shown by many of my compatriots. Only the Chinese care so much how they are perceived by the foreigners. The vast majority of world citizens could not care less about China is or any other country. Most people focus on their own lives.

Y Wong, Shanghai, China

Yawn. All this nonsense about China's human rights record. Where were all the human rights activists when Sydney held the Olympics in 2000? Or aren't the Aborignees humans so the atrocities perpetrated against them by consecutive Australian governments ok in the eyes of the West?

Mahela Malone, Antigua W. I,

Thank all the support.We are so proud of our motherland and Best wishes for London.You have more experience so u know.I can't wait !2012!

I think if you're NOT a chinese citizen,you have no right to comment my country.As an ordinary citizen in China i want to tell you that we DO have human rights

Cee, Shanghai, People's Republe of China

The opening ceromony was amazing with excellent performances, effects and choreography. It is the best display that I have ever seen and enjoyed every bit of it, especially the drummers, TaiChi display and the fireworks Excellent!

Though I doubt London will be as good and be very PC about it all

Rob, Manchester, UK

Huw Edwards was the wrong person he reads autocue and given how many names on the BBC payroll we deserved better
Fergal Keane would have been excellent or a Dimbley,so what's wrong none of the highearners want to work in the Summer ?

Jeanette Eccles, London, UK

it was a wonderful ceremony, I think it showed to the rest of the world how china really is tody; I think China like any other country have our problem, but I do believe that a lot of the media have portrayed china as a terrible country; I hope though this ceremony, ppl would know more about china!

Vivienne, Beijing, China

I'm astounded that no news service picked up on the Chinese announcers mirth that Britain sent more politicians than athletes to the games. The opening ceremony was a fantastic experience.

James, Nanning,

Chinese have done a lot for your understanding! I ,as a Chinese,have not felt cheating by the government of China.Instead,I am very proud of the ceremony which was arranged by government.

What Chinese really want,from the Olympic Games,is being a friend of the nation which have a different ideas

liang, Hebei, China

Actually , I can understand why so many foreigners don't know the truth of China. most of them didn;t come to China.
No country can say what they do to host a big game like Olypics is the best .We Chinese just try our best to do it.And I hope London will do it better in 2012!!!

Ford, canton, china

Imagine ( and it takes some doing ) this was the opening here in London - the place would be awash with the health and safety nanny brigade, telling the performers its cancelled in case they hurt themselves. Well done China - a fantastic display. Congatulations!

Linda, London, England

That has to be the most awesome opening ceremony I have ever seen, infact it was the most amazing spectacle on a truly gargantuan scale! Amazing use of technology, a true show of olympics in the 21st century. There is no way London will be able to do anything even remotely as good as this!

Sanj, Birmingham, UK

How do you follow that in four years time....a Scottish pipe band, a Welsh Choir, a Northern Irish dance troupe and for England some Morris dancers dancing round a replica of Stonehenge....

Deco, Varese,

No doubt it's the best opening ceremony ever! I think it's actually a lecture to the Western world about Chinese history, culture and civilization. And hopefully the western people who have watched the ceremony have got sth to take home!

Thomas, Welling, UK

Thank God Steven Spielberg pulled out earlier this year. If he were there, the opening ceremony wouldn't have been as excellent as it is now. How much knowledge does he have about China?

In this regard, he deserves a big gold medal from the Chinese people!

Thomas, Welling, UK

Britain will never be able to top this opening ceremony. Too many people worrying what were spending. £20bn compared to $9bn, will have to cut corners somewhere, maybe the fireworks. However, the Chinese have given us a great show but at the detriment of poor Chinese families, no human rights, etc.

Steve Fletcher, Bedford, UK

In the past 5 years, I, as a Chinese, have been constantly reminded by foreigners that I had no human rights in this country and my government is prosecuting me.
This appears somewhat a joke to me.

li, anyang, China

The most CHARMING Olpympics opening was surely that of South Korea, forget the year. No jackbooted strutting automatons, just modesty, gente dancing and charming self-efacement. Nothing 'spectacular', just pure delight.

Jack, Perth, Western Australia, Australia

How do you follow that?

John, Oldham, Lancs.

Best show ever in history maybe

jack, chapel hill, USA

wonderful!wonderful!wonderful!

allen zhang, daqing, China

Whoa!! ...Utterly spectacular and mesmerizing!! I'd hate to be London now - they've got a hard act to follow.

Adam, Chicago, IL

My husband and I watched the Opening Ceremony from our home here in Texas tonight. IT WAS SPECTACULAR! We visited China two ago and discovered the hope, the creativity and the energy of the amazing Chinese people. Those wonderful qualities were on display in tonight's best-ever Olympic opening!

Cleo, Houston, USA

Eat your heart out Spielberg - you are redundant! I am so proud of China, the Chinese people - best Olympic Opening Ceremony ever! Long may the People Republic of China rule... ALL of China!

S K Chan, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Perfect!

Robert Blackwood, Birmingham,

after 20 years "open" policies, i believe that the game is the very start of opening. i agree with dan, not because i am also from china, people in your country do not understand China as much as Chinese understand UK. May i say, as much respect and attention ?

shaomin, HangZhou, China

i was moved last night by the spectacular opening ceremony , really so proud of to be a Chinese. pls take back your injustice commentaries in some western media. Envy should be a kind of encouraging and support, shouldn't be a kind of finicking and jealousy.

daisy zhang, Beijing, China

In the past 5 years, I, as a Chinese, have been constantly reminded by foreigners that I had no human rights in this country and my government is prosecuting me.
This appears somewhat a joke to me. I quite agree with Honest's comment "Human right? Who is human? Only chinese can represent china!"

Summers, Shanghai, China

Its interesting, watching it on delay in the US (half a day late) and reading accounts of things yet to come. So far, this ceremony is amazing. The Chinese should be proud, this is the best opening I've ever seen. I only hope our basketball team doesn't implode.

Justin, Orlando,FL, USA

It's always easy to say something opposite and insulting! China is a nation of etiquette and we have the hospitality and ability to hold a cuccessful Olympic Games. I can't believe such aggressive words should be said by BBC. Maybe, 4 years later, you will bite yourself back. Don't be so unfriendly!

Roy King, Nanjing, China

Where is Steven Spielberg?

And good luck to London 2012.

Vincent, London, UK

Pretty glib assessment. Spectacle is one thing the Chinese know, and they pulled it off spectacularly. Anyone who wasn't impressed with the human paper waves could well be lying.....

adam, Chengdu, China

I am really irritated by this obnoxious and stupid commentary. All you wanted to express is the hatred and jealousy of a rising, powerful, yet friendly China. How much do you know about a real China? Before you can comment please make sure you‘ve done enough homework. Shame on the commentary!

WuTao, Shanghai,

Looking forward a elegant and stylish 2012 London Olympic Game opening.

Paul , Hong Kong, China

The ceremony is wonderful. I wonder how London will perform in 2012.

Hans, Hamburg, Germany

BBC commentators, only reminded me of my nagging mother, are so annoying....

Paula, Manchester,

The Chinese held the most spectacular opening ever and proved beyond doubt that they are a leading super power. They were magnificent and inspirational and have set the gold standard for many years to come. Well done China.

D Case, Newquay,

What are you guys talking about? He's just summarizing the opening ceremony. I see nothing wrong with this article.

Dany, Toronto, Canada

Martin - I don't think there was anything sycophantic at all in the BBC commentary. Carrie Gracie and Huw Edwards were both excellent.

China is a fantastic country doing its best to reform its political identity to match the progress of its economy. It takes time!

Go to China and wise up...

dan, Beijing,

We should celebrate the fact that the Chinese are shwoing the world what they have achieved in the past 30 years - just as they admire our history, so we should admire theirs and how it was portrayed today. Wonderful commentary.

Philip Bujak, London, UK

I never expect that foreigners can understand the opening ceremony and all the things behind it. it's not your fault because commentators from your country are not experts on chinese cultural , neither can they pretended to be experts by reading scripts.

Enjoy, Beijing, China

I watched the Chinese version live, and the English version on NBC. I'm so impressed by all those who contributed to the show.

What's wrong with Matthew Syed (see Aug. 9). I'm an ordinary Chinese; I gave money willingly for this game. I wanted to. Does Mr. Syed have a problem with that?

WaterCube, Nanjing and Indiana,

What a colossal waste of money. Britain's turn next...

helen Back, Bradford,

Great China. Great Job. This is a mordern Beijing. No one has the right to block the progress of the giant dragon. If you try to mix the realities, absoluctly you will fail. We believe what we are seeing. Human right? Who is human? Only chinese can represent china!!!

honest, vancouver, canada

If you are a Chinese,how will you feel when you see others give such an offensive comment to your country?
If this is the London Olympic Game,how will you feel when you know others denied everything you did for the Game?
We really want you treat China as a friend,not a enemy.
We need support.

shell, Canton, China

Well done to Mains o' Fintry Pipe Band frae Dundee.

Paul, Edinburgh, Scotland

what a show!!! Amazing!!! But Athens opening ceramony was better... human scale is important sometimes :) specially when it comes to olympics. good luck to London

Christian, Athens,

The ceremony is spectacular and is a shock to watch on spot.
Especially the workfire raise to sky the whole city seem to light . I am lucky at the city.

Amy Sadler, Brookhaven, US

It was an extraordinarily spectacular event which was the best to date in my opinion as far as opening ceremonies go.

My question is how far London is willing to go to top the amazing and quite frankly groundbreaking spectacle that the Chinese managed to mastermind today.

Eric, London, England

Congratulations China! A masterful ceremony, surpassing everything we've seen so far. The energy & the excitement of the people was awe-inspiring.
Martin, etc. please put aside the criticism and accept that nations are different around the globe. London should keep some notes for '12.

Nicholas, London, United Kingdom

I have to say that I thought the complete opposite of the BBC commentators I just saw on the interactive replay

Marty, Swansea,

It is a wonderful ceremony ,isn't it ?
Don't mention the politics and human rights, ok?
I am Chinese. I don't want u to talk about the other things but the Olympic Games.
There is no perfect country in the world. As u can see, my country is growing and becoming better and better.

Cherry Yang, Beijing, China

Whatever one's views on China's domestic policies, the opening ceremony should be judged on its merits, not through the eyes of prejudice. It was, quite simply, a master work. It showed too how far China has come in understanding the Western mind. Sophisticated, witty. An extraordinary performance.

Cathie Harrison, St Arnaud, New Zealand

He's just telling the truth. Don't be so judgemental.

Sophie, Oxford,

Let's see if London can do a better, SAFER Olympics opening ceremony in 2012. They should keep their minds busy on that now. Don't forget it is only 4 years away.

Oliver March, London, UK

i don't understand why you guys can't just show a bit support, after all this ceremony just finished, even you can do better in 2012, which we believe that, but you have to wait until then to show the world. Right now, the ceremony is breathtaking and spectacular.

Lynne, shanghai, china

China is developing, much stronger than years before. China is soft, never a superpower, past, now, and future. We love shadowboxing as we understand what the real strength is. China is hard-working, but not perfect.

Xiong, Fuzhou, China

That is China, not bullying others and not allowing to be bullied either.

Xiong, Fuzhou, China

I read this and think, how sad are we, when one of our greatest strengths is moaning and throwing constant jibes whenever possible.

I expected nothing less, of course.

Howard, Manchester,

This is one of the most obnoxious commentaries I have ever read - I dont think this writer deserves the privilege of being at the games

Justine, London ,

While there is no doubt the ceremony is spectacular I am disgusted by the comments of the BBC commentators. It appears obvious their script was prepared by the Chines propoganda department.

Martin Drum, Portsmouth,